Browse over 9,000 car reviews

BMW 2 Series vs Volkswagen Golf

What's the difference?

VS
BMW 2 Series
BMW 2 Series

$61,945 - $114,900

2023 price

Volkswagen Golf
Volkswagen Golf

$35,898 - $97,990

2023 price

Summary

2023 BMW 2 Series
2023 Volkswagen Golf
Safety Rating

Engine Type
Turbo 3, 1.5L

Turbo 4, 2.0L
Fuel Type
-

-
Fuel Efficiency
5.9L/100km (combined)

7.0L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Why $7000 more than the hatch?
  • Lacklustre warranty term
  • Cheap feeling leather trim

  • Too much road noise
  • Annoying touchscreen
  • Pricey
2023 BMW 2 Series Summary

You’d be forgiven for thinking there aren’t many sedans left on sale in Australia, thanks to the massive shift in buyer preference to SUVs.

But while mainstream carmakers like Ford, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Volkswagen and a lot more have scaled back their booted offerings, premium brands are yet to give up on sedans.

BMW alone has seven sedan models in its line-up ranging from small offerings like the 2 Series Gran Coupe all the way up to the 7 Series and 8 Series.

We are focusing on the former for this review, in entry level 218i guise. It’s a sleek sedan that certainly catches the eye, but can it compete with similarly priced SUVs in our crossover-loving country?

View full pricing & specs
2023 Volkswagen Golf Summary

In a world where hatchbacks are being cancelled left, right and centre, it was super refreshing to get into the Volkswagen Golf GTI hot-hatch recently.

I’d driven other Mk 8 Golf models including the R flagship wagon, but this was my go in the car I’d long considered to be the best Golf for the money.

But with prices continuously cruising north - this car is now a $54,990 prospect before on-road costs - does it still make dollars and sense? And what’s it like to live with in the daily grind?

View full pricing & specs

Deep dive comparison

2023 BMW 2 Series 2023 Volkswagen Golf

Change vehicle